Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lee health department issues red tide alert for Gasparilla Island State Park

A red tide alert has been issued near Gasparilla Island State Park Beach.
Gasparilla Island State Park Beach
/
WGCU
A red tide alert has been issued near Gasparilla Island State Park beach.

The alert is in response to a water sample taken Dec. 30. People can experience varying degrees of eye, skin and respiratory irritation from red tide.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a health alert for the presence of red tide near Gasparilla Island State Park beach. This is in response to a water sample taken Dec. 30.

The public should exercise caution in and around this area and take the following precautions:

  • Look for informational signage posted at most public beaches and/or check current water quality status at Protecting Florida Together.
  • Do not wade or swim in or around red tide. Red tide can cause skin irritation, rashes and burning/sore eyes.
  • Wash your skin and clothing with soap and fresh water if you have had recent contact with red tide, especially if your skin is easily irritated.
  • Remain cautious and stay away from this location, especially if you have chronic respiratory conditions.
  • Residents living in beach areas are advised to close windows and run the air conditioner. Make sure the AC filter is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Do not harvest or eat molluscan shellfish or distressed or dead fish from this location. If caught alive and healthy, fin fish are safe to eat as long as they are filleted and the guts are discarded. Rinse fillets with tap or bottled water.
  • Red tide can cause illness and death of pets and livestock. Keep animals away and out of the water and sea life and away from dead marine life. If your pet swims in waters with red tide, wash them with soap and water as soon as possible.
A red tide alert has been issued near Gasparilla Island State Park Beach.
Braun, Michael
A red tide alert has been issued near Gasparilla Island State Park beach. The park is on southern end of Gasparilla Island, a barrier island at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor.

What is red tide?

Red tide is caused by high concentrations of a toxin-producing dinoflagellate called Karenia brevis (K. brevis), a type of microscopic algae found in the Gulf of Mexico. Red tide typically forms naturally offshore, commonly in late summer or early fall, and is carried into coastal waters by winds and currents.

At high enough concentrations, K. brevis can discolor water and give it a red or brown hue. To learn more about the appearance of red tide, visit Protecting Florida Together.

Is red tide harmful?

K. brevis produces potent neurotoxins (brevotoxins) that can be harmful to humans, pets, fish and wildlife. Wind and wave action can break open K. brevis cells and release toxins into the air. This is why you should monitor conditions and use caution when visiting affected waters.

People can experience varying degrees of eye, skin and respiratory irritation from red tide. Children, the elderly, those who are immunocompromised and those who have chronic respiratory conditions may be at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.

For additional information on potential health effects of algae blooms, visit the Florida Department of Health's harmful algae blooms webpage.

Where can I find water status information?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission routinely collects and analyzes red tide samples from around the state. Current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions is available at Protecting Florida Together. You can subscribe to receive notifications when water quality changes in your area.

To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state, call 866-300-9399.

For local licensed shellfish harvesting status, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Where can I report issues related to red tide?

  • Humans: Report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algae bloom or any aquatic toxin to the Florida Poison Information Center by calling 800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist.
  • Animals: Contact your veterinarian if you believe your pet has become ill after consuming or having contact with red tide-contaminated water.
  • Fish kills: Dead, diseased or abnormally behaving fish or wildlife should be reported to the FWC online or at 800-636-0511.

For other health questions or concerns about red tide, call your local health department.

Copyright 2025 WGCU

WGCU Staff